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Written by Kimberly Dorpenyo
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People - If there is one truth that consistently came from Julius, it was that the most beautiful thing you will find in Ghana is the people. Hospitable, welcoming, shy yet confident, the people I have met so far in Ghana have been amazing. There is a deep desire to really know you, and there is a gift of accepting anyone who comes along.
My first day here, Julius’ sisters took me to the local market for groceries and they were fully entertained at the reactions of the vendors. “Obroni” (white) was being called out often, women came to introduce themselves and shake my hand, and everyone laughed a lot. It was pretty obvious that whites don’t shop at this particular market that often, but it was fun.
As time goes on, I hope to share more about what we see, who we meet, and what we’re learning. For now, I want to emphasize that Ghana is worth the trip simply to experience the beauty of her people! Thanks for the warm welcome!!!
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Written by Kimberly Dorpenyo
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RECENT HAPPENINGS:
   
walking on frozen lake... sledding at Scott's with family... dedicating Makaela to the Lord... shower at church...
ON OUR WAY:
We are so excited to announce that we have made our return plans to Africa. We were unable to change our ticket that returns to South Africa to land in Ghana so we decided to seize the opportunity to visit all of our friends for about 10 days then go to Ghana. We will be promoting Rising Stars to different YWAM bases and churches, as well as enjoying showing off our little bundle of joy.
After our visit to South Africa, we will fly to Ghana and begin the process of launching Rising Stars on the ground. We look forward to Kim and Makaela meeting Julius’ family as well as starting to network with local organizations and churches. The time is right and we know awesome things are in store!
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Written by Kimberly Dorpenyo
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The weather outside was truly frightful, but it didn't stop us from enjoying our first "white Christmas" and New Year! Julius discovered the snow-blower, the snow-suit, the snow-angel, the snow-tunnel, and will be venturing forth to sledding and ice skating shortly! He even helped dress the turkey for the Christmas feast...what a holiday!
  
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Written by Kimberly Dorpenyo
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Back in the States...
We made it! Last week Monday (just before Labor Day Weekend) we arrived into Chicago without a hitch. When we received Julius’ visa, it came with a large packet that we were not permitted to open – we had to hand it in upon arrival to immigration. We were expecting another interview and a long entry process, but to our joy, they took the packet, stamped and signed it and said the green card will come in the mail! God truly gave us such great favour!
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Written by Kimberly Dorpenyo
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Greetings from Ghana! After an incredibly busy 10 days in South Africa, we finally arrived to our new home. We disembarked from the plane on Friday, the 5th of May at 3:25 am, entered Accra, and instantly went “WOW! It’s hot!” Note to self – travel back to Africa after feeling some of the summer heat, NOT during the end of winter which leaves room for incredible shock.
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Written by Kimberly Dorpenyo
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If life wasn’t already full of awesome changes, we just experienced the best!
On January 14, 2011 at 10:32 pm Makaela Selasie Dorpenyo entered our world and has caused us to fall in love all over again. She was 9.2 lbs and 21 in. long. Due to her size and the way she was facing Mom went through almost 30 hours of labor to finish with a c-section. There has been a lot since then - discovering her faces and sounds, figuring out schedules and feeding, learning to communicate as parents without forgetting to communicate as spouses, and more. What seemed like a daunting reality of responsibility and life-change has changed into absolute blessing and joy!
 Julius has been beyond amazing as he endured the long labor, has cared for mommy and baby, and has battled for us both in the place of prayer. We sat
together just the other day and talked about things we’ve learned from this experience and the different degrees of difficulties that came in the delivery process. We have fresh revelation of God’s love for us and for families. We have deeper understanding of fighting for health and for each other in the place of prayer. We have taken another step into deeper intimacy with each other and we hope to continue to grow as we learn from Makaela and teach her the ways of the Lord.
Thank you to all who have been praying! She is here! She is healthy! She is  fearfully and wonderfully made! She has a great destiny in Christ ahead of her! Thank you Lord for this amazing gift - for trusting us with this gorgeous child - for all you have in store for us as a family! GOD IS GOOD!
Makaela - One who resembles God Selasie - God answers
Dorpenyo - Place of good work or good rest
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Written by Kimberly Dorpenyo
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Teaching Opportunities...
The first photo is Julius sharing at Parkview Junior High School. Julius did most of the talking – he has such a better accent! We had a great time teaching about Ghana as well as inviting them to join us in a book drive so we can start a small library when we return to West Africa. Our favourite part was letting young people know that they CAN do anything they dream, starting now. Thanks Mrs. Peterson for the invite and hospitality!
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Written by Kimberly Dorpenyo
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Visa in Hand...
Time and time again God reminds us that as we trust Him and move in obedience, He always makes a way! It is with GREAT excitement that we share our visa success. After a whirlwind of fundraising, paper gathering, communicating and travelling, we know that we have an American visa on the way. There is one document that was sent to us from America via fax and they need the original...once that is in their hands, they will send us the visa. We have such anticipation for the next stage in our lives as a couple and as missionaries. This allows us to visit America, have our baby, and solidify plans for our transition to West Africa. Thank you for supporting us during this rather challenging process!
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